Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42327370›Full record

ReviewBrain communications2026

A neuropsychological perspective on sensory hypersensitivity after acquired brain injury.

Jasmijn O Heijman, Marilien C Marzolla, Hella Thielen, Kerstin Spielmann, Marsh Königs, Céline R Gillebert, Caroline M van Heugten, Nathan van der Stoep, Irene M C Huenges Wajer

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Brain communications, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Jasmijn O HeijmanDepartment of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, CS 3584, The Netherlands.
Marilien C MarzollaFaculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, ER 6229, The Netherlands.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2711-3131
Hella ThielenDepartment Brain & Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7618-135X
Kerstin SpielmannBartiméus, Zeist, BA 3700, The Netherlands.
Marsh KönigsAmsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, AZ 1105, The Netherlands.
Céline R GillebertDepartment Brain & Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
Caroline M van HeugtenFaculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, ER 6229, The Netherlands.
Nathan van der StoepDepartment of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, CS 3584, The Netherlands.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0412-2078
Irene M C Huenges WajerDepartment of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, HV 1081, The Netherlands.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Individuals with acquired brain injury frequently report a heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, commonly referred to as sensory hypersensitivity, which can significantly disrupt daily life and diminish quality of life. Despite a prevalence of up to 83%, the topic of sensory hypersensitivity after acquired brain injury is largely overlooked in existing research. Consequently, the underlying causes and perpetuating factors of sensory hypersensitivity remain poorly understood, hindering the development of effective, evidence-based treatments. In this review, we explore sensory hypersensitivity following acquired brain injury from a neuropsychological standpoint, offering hypotheses regarding the potential neurocognitive and psychological mechanisms involved. Specifically, we propose several hypotheses considering various aspects of sensory processing including, but not limited to, sensory gating, habituation, working memory, processing speed, anxiety, personality, coping and fatigue. These hypotheses are based on acquired brain injury research where possible but also incorporate findings from related fields. Finally, we introduce a conceptual model that explains sensory hypersensitivity as a mismatch between an individual's resources (including the proposed neurocognitive and psychological functions) and the demands imposed by their external sensory environment. We identify several possible mechanisms contributing to sensory hypersensitivity after acquired brain injury and consider a range of factors that may vary per individual. With this review, we aim to establish a foundation for hypothesis-driven research into the causes of sensory hypersensitivity post-injury, by setting a research agenda and supporting the development of psychoeducational and rehabilitative strategies to reduce sensory hypersensitivity and enhance quality of life.

Indexed as

acquired brain injuryneurocognitionneuropsychologysensory hypersensitivitysensory overload

Identifiers

PMID42327370
PMCPMC13276873

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.